Grant: Idea to Innovation

The development of a beta-prototype device for the sterilized storage, mixing and controlled delivery of a bioadhesive.*In 2015, there were 47,000 wrist fractures reported in Canada. A 2010 estimate for the total annual cost of treating wrist fractures was $104M. One method postulated for improving surgical outcomes in this space is percutaneous fracture fixation.*A consortia of engineers and clinicians, led by Principal Applicant Towler, are developing proprietary glass polyalkenoate cements (GPCs) through a NSERC/CIHR CHRP grant secured in 2016. These materials are injectable, adhesive to bone and can be formulated to be both antibacterial and osteogenic at the fracture site. However, of equal importance to the bioadhesive is the development and optimization of a '3-in-1' procedural device which facilitates: 1. the storage of the bioadhesive precursors, 2. their uniform mixing and 3. Their controlled delivery by surgeons to the fracture site. Collectively, the solution (the delivery device and the bioadhesive, henceforth known as the 'Kit'), will provide standardization of the application process, reducing risks associated with improper handling of the bioadhesive in operating rooms which directly translates to cost saving outcomes for the Canadian healthcare system.*The team, led by Towler, assisted by PDF Alhalawani and with collaborators from the engineering (Protodev Canada) and clinical fields (Drs. Zalzal and Safir), will amend an alpha prototype delivery device, within the space covered by Towler's provisional patent. The project will yield a beta device with improved durability, reduced complexity and increased capacity, which will expand its functionality. Although the intended use of*the device is to store, mix and deliver the bioadhesive to surgical sites, the steps being taken are not clinical in nature, but fundamental engineering in their approach which may result in a device that leaves the clinic for exploitation in fields such as the delivery of glues and epoxies for coating, insulation and sealing applications.*